Growing fresh-market tomatoes in the Southeast
Planting, staking, plastic mulch and the costs that decide whether tomatoes pay on your farm.
Not yet expert-reviewed. Written by BAU Farm Intelligence from public extension and agency sources. Check dates and program details with your local extension office.
Why tomatoes are worth a hard look
Tomatoes are one of the highest-value field vegetables in the Southeast, and one of the most expensive to grow. Published extension budgets put total costs between roughly $14,000 and $17,000 per acre (UF/IFAS and NC State budgets carried on our crop-profitability page). That money goes in before you sell a box, so the buyer question comes first.
Planting
- Set transplants after your last spring frost, once soil holds near 70°F.
- Bury two-thirds of the stem. Roots form along the buried stem.
- Most commercial growers use raised beds with plastic mulch and drip. NC State's plastic mulch guide covers which mulch color fits summer heat.
Staking and spacing
Stake-and-weave is standard for fresh market. Plan about 18–24 inches in the row. Stake before fruit set, not after.
What goes wrong
Heat during bloom stops fruit set. Irregular water cracks fruit. Disease pressure builds in wet summers; scout weekly and use your state clinic.
Before you plant
- Check your zone's planting window on the calendar.
- Run the breakeven numbers with your yield, not the textbook yield.
- Line up at least one buyer before you buy plastic.